KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2017

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are both popular choices in the enduro motorcycle category, but they have some notable differences.

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a more powerful engine with 160 HP compared to the BMW R 1200 GS 2017's 125 HP. The KTM also has higher torque at 140 Nm compared to the BMW's 125 Nm. The KTM uses a chain transmission, while the BMW uses a prop shaft transmission. Both bikes have 2 cylinders, but the KTM has a larger displacement at 1301 ccm compared to the BMW's 1170 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the KTM features an upside-down telescopic fork on the front, while the BMW has a strut front suspension. Both bikes have a 19-inch front tire diameter and a 17-inch rear tire diameter, with the same rear tire width of 170 mm.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

In terms of chassis, the KTM has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW has a steel frame. The KTM's frame is tubular, while the BMW's frame is a twin tube load-bearing engine type.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM has a slightly longer wheelbase at 1560 mm compared to the BMW's 1507 mm. The seat height of the KTM is also slightly higher at 860 mm compared to the BMW's 850 mm. The KTM is slightly heavier with a kerb weight of 249 kg compared to the BMW's 238 kg. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity at 30 liters compared to the BMW's 20 liters.

Now let's look at the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a very powerful and confident engine, providing a sporty and agile handling experience. It also has a comprehensive electronics package with features such as semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, adjustable traction control, and cruise control. The KTM also has a large 30-liter fuel tank, heated seats, a main stand, and LED cornering lights.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a mature concept and a strong engine. It offers easy handling and powerful brakes. The BMW also has adjustable modes and traction control, allowing riders to customize their riding experience. The bike has an extensive equipment range and is known for its good image and value retention.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a jagged windshield and a locking lever for the windshield on the right side, which may be inconvenient for some riders. The power delivery of the KTM can also be somewhat jerky at revs under 2000.

The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has fewer weaknesses, but it is worth noting that many of its features come at an extra cost. Additionally, the boxer engine of the BMW may be more exposed in really tough terrain compared to the KTM.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more powerful engine and a comprehensive electronics package, while the BMW has a mature concept and good value retention. Riders should consider their priorities and preferences when choosing between these two bikes.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015
BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore108 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque140 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engine

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

The 1290 Super Adventure is rightly presented by KTM as an adventure flagship. Packed with sophisticated electronics and almost everything you could possibly need in a big touring enduro, it recommends itself as expected for the long haul. What you don't immediately see from its bulky appearance, however, is that the Super Adventure, like its 1190 sisters, is an incredible fun machine. Especially in tight corners, it is unbelievable fun. The electronics control traction, chassis and engine management so unobtrusively that you can concentrate fully and above all safely on accelerating. On the intermediate straights, the 160 hp of power ensure that the 1290 Super Adventure can also meet sporting requirements and is thus hardly surpassed in terms of universality.

Very powerful and confident engine

sporty, agile handling

comprehensive electronics package

interaction of many electronic features

semi-active suspension

cornering ABS

adjustable traction control

cruise control

large 30-litre fuel tank

heated seats

main stand

LED cornering lights.

Windshield very jagged

locking lever of the windshield on the right side

power delivery under 2000 revs somewhat jerky

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

For over 35 years, BMW has continued to expand the boxer range and is consistently working on the evolution of the GS. In addition to the EURO4 update of the engine with new catalytic converter and mapping, there are now even more features such as the Dynamic ESA Next Generation with automatic riding position compensation, which further improves stability and comfort for the rider. With its subtle colour scheme, the Exclusive version is intended for friends of a neat and subdued appearance and, unlike the flashier Rallye variant, is designed more for the road. Many features are at extra cost, but GS customers usually don't care - 90 percent are ordered with full equipment.

Mature concept

strong engine

easy handling

powerful brakes

adjustable modes and traction control

extensive equipment range

good image and value retention.

many features at extra cost

boxer exposed in really tough terrain

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is about 29% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 experiences a loss of 500 USD in one year and 1,190 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 560 USD and 980 USD for a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 84. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 72 days compared to 82 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure was published on 8/19/2014 and now has more than 8,100 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 1/20/2004.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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